Boris Jeranče //

Way Out West, the renowned three-day music festival in Gothenburg, returns from August 7 to 9, 2025, taking over Slottsskogen Park and various venues across the city. This year’s edition promises an eclectic and unforgettable experience, featuring cutting-edge artists from both sides of the Atlantic.

Headlining the pop front is UK superstar Charli XCX, known not only for her chart-topping hits but also for her fearless collaborations with a wide range of cutting-edge artists. She’ll be joined by fellow Brit legends Pet Shop Boys, the genre-defying Beth Gibbons (formerly of Portishead), and Fontaines D.C., the Dublin-based band often labeled post-punk—though they don’t quite claim the tag themselves.

Adding even more UK flavor are rising viral sensation Lola Young, whose track Messy blew up on TikTok and Instagram, as well as the fiercely independent Little Simz, the Mercury Prize-winning Wet Leg, and the provocative Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, whose politically charged lyrics have stirred both controversy and acclaim.

From the U.S., rock heavyweights Queens of the Stone Age and the ever-unpredictable Iggy Pop bring raw energy to the lineup, while genre-blending singer-songwriter Chappell Roan adds a fresh, theatrical pop twist.

Of course, Sweden is well-represented too. The experimental rock pioneers GOAT return with their signature sound that defies categorization, and darkwave-electro duo Kite bring their dramatic, synth-heavy performances to the stage.

From underground noise to polished pop, Way Out West 2025 is shaping up to be a genre-spanning celebration of music and culture that’s not to be missed.

What’s more, WOW is more than just a music festival — it’s a platform for environmental awareness, gender equality, and social inclusion. Since its founding in 2007, the festival has earned a reputation not only for its bold lineups and vibrant energy but also for its deep commitment to sustainability in all its forms.